Time For A 3D Printer Upgrade?!?! Keep, Upgrade, Something else?

I've been printing like MAD! LOL!

I'm really liking this printer!

... and of course all my tons of 1st prints are bits and bobs to update the printer itself

Next-up:

LED Bar: I'm no designer, but I'm fumbling with OnShape to try to make a bracket to hold the LED strip that will run off the 24v power supply (probably tap into fan like I did on my CR-10). I've also considered printing a "fang" type fan duct to provide more viewable space (and hopefully better bi-directional cooling) and then incorporating an LED strip into that.

*maybe* move the power switch to the front of the machine.

Change firmware (my first try at this):

I continue to print TONS of bits for the Ender 3 V2 (I'll post a separate thread once I've done most of them).

One big one is this very popular fang duct:
https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/tool/ender3-v2-dual-40mm-fan-hot-end-duct-fang

Well reviewed here:

Oh, and a side-note: I've been getting a lot of ads for this board upgrade. I was surprised there aren't many videos with details on it, but this article does a great job making the upgrade process look easy, so I'm tempted to try it on my CR-10!
https://karooza.net/cr10-skr-mini-e3-upgrade

Nifty said:

I continue to print TONS of bits for the Ender 3 V2 (I'll post a separate thread once I've done most of them).

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Your obviously very happy with your new printer, so why would you want to alter or upgrade it when its working perfectly fine.

Nifty said:

One big one is this very popular fang duct:
https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/tool/ender3-v2-dual-40mm-fan-hot-end-duct-fang

Click to expand...

I can understand the cooling duct upgrade because that’s very easy and not to inconvenient, but changing out the motherboard is a different kettle of fish altogether..
https://www.printerknowledge.com/th...to-improve-your-3d-printing.12875/post-111013

Nifty said:

Oh, and a side-note: I've been getting a lot of ads for this board upgrade. I was surprised there aren't many videos with details on it, but this article does a great job making the upgrade process look easy, so I'm tempted to try it on my CR-10!

Click to expand...

What if you get it wrong or it just doesn’t work and has heating or booting issues, then what, because at that point you won’t even be able to sell it and you’ll have a big door stop.. If it ain’t broke then don’t go Friggin with it, these upgrades don't work for everyone..

P.S. Only change the motherboard if you’re having problems..

The Hat said:

Your obviously very happy with your new printer, so why would you want to alter or upgrade it when its working perfectly fine.

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I don't think I ever used the word "perfectly". There's lots that can be incrementally improved... which has been awesome. Like the duct: The OEM one is working fine, but it's definitely not perfect.

The Hat said:

but changing out the motherboard is a different kettle of fish altogether..

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I'm not changing the MB on the Ender. That's for the CR-10

The Hat said:

What if you get it wrong or it just doesn’t work and has heating or booting issues, then what, because at that point you won’t even be able to sell it and you’ll have a big door stop.. If it ain’t broke then don’t go Friggin with it, these upgrades don't work for everyone..

Click to expand...

If I get it wrong, then I either figure out how to fix it, put it back the way it is, or sell it for parts. It's not a vital machine anymore, so it gives me opportunity to play around and learn new things, and with minimal risk, and limited downside.

Nifty said:

I'm not changing the MB on the Ender. That's for the CR-10 If I get it wrong, then I either figure out how to fix it, put it back the way it is

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I was aware that it was the CR-10 you were referring too, but changing any mother board can be very easy or a huge curse, that’s why I avoid changing the motherboard at all costs, everything else on the printer is fair game..

P.S. Feckin with the Firmware can be very dodgy, and there are no guarantees it will work..

This kid's videos continue to surprise and impress me. She's better than 90% of the other youtubers out there. She clearly puts in a TON of prep, filming, and post-production / editing time and effort!

This is EXACTLY the video I've been wanting to see for potentially upgrading my CR-10 to a silent board with more features!

Nifty said:

This kid's videos continue to surprise and impress me.

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A very smart Madam in deed.. I can see why you like her presentations..

I'm going to follow her F360 tutorial on creating the fan blades

I'm tempted to get this crazy deal just for a spare printer. So cheap at $160 for what is basically and Ender 3 V2!



Great video of the printer and a good comparison of pros/cons to Ender 3 v2 at the end:

It's crazy to me that prices have dropped so low for decent quality printers. These days almost anybody can get into the hobby at this price!

Here's another good review of the Aquila. The hoarder in me is really yelling at me to pick one up!